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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Tonko Selected for Major Climate-Focused Committees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WASHINGTON, DC — House leaders announced this week that Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) has been selected to serve on three major climate committees in the House. Anchored by his key leadership role as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, Tonko will also serve on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and House Committee on Natural Resources. 

These appointments position Tonko, one of just a small handful of engineers in Congress, to continue leading Congressional efforts to build national climate action and advance climate-driven legislation through Congress. 

“America is at a crossroads. We can double down on the economic and environmental stagnation of the past or we can seize this moment to build back better and make ourselves a global leader in clean energy innovation, environmental and labor standards, and a new flowering of prosperity in communities all across America,” said Tonko, who represents the 20th Congressional District, including a majority of the city of Saratoga Springs. 

Wear Red & Give

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

ALBANY — Despite the devastating toll of COVID-19, heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the U.S and worldwide, and the leading cause of death among women. One in three women die of heart disease.   

February is Heart Heart Month. On Friday, Feb. 5, National Wear Red Day, the American Heart Association is urging everyone to wear red to raise awareness about the devastating effects of heart disease in women. 

Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age. In fact, nearly 45% of women age 20 and older are living with some form of heart disease, however, new data suggests Gen Z and Millennial women are less likely to be aware that heart disease is their greatest health threat. Women can often have different symptoms of heart disease than men. They can have crushing chest pain and arm numbness, but can also have pain in the shoulders and back, gastrointestinal distress and fatigue. 

Throughout the Capital Region and across the nation, people will be wearing red on Wear Red Day and during the month of February. As they do every year, many companies will illuminate their buildings red to raise awareness. People will also donate at GoRedforWomen.org, where information about going red is also available. People wearing red can share photos of themselves on their social media sites, with the hashtag #GoRed or #WearRedandGive.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in the Arts : SPAC Adds New Programs for February

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

 SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the month of February, Saratoga Performing Arts Center adds three new programs to its virtual Learning Library that further its mission to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the arts. 

Created to bring free original arts educational content to students, families and educators at a time when in-school classes are often not feasible due to the pandemic, the SPAC Learning Library has collaborated with more than 25 professional regional musicians and dancers including Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company and Caroga Arts Collective, as well as summer resident companies New York City Ballet, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. 

SPAC’s Learning Library will offer new programming including lessons in Stepping and South African Gumboot Dancing, wheelchair-accessible dance lessons and a new series of music lessons that guide children through the beginning stages of learning an instrument. 

In 2019, SPAC’s free education programs reached more than 49,000 young individuals, offered more than 400 classes, presentations, performances, and events, and partnered with more than 120 schools and non-profit organizations across the greater Capital Region. 

To learn more about the programs, go to: www.spaclearninglibrary.org

Drive-Through Food Drive Feb. 11-13

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Office will host a drive-thru food drive at the Vanderbilt Avenue Recreation Center Feb. 11 – 13.

Under the direction of Mayor Meg Kelly, the food drive will benefit the Franklin Community Center and the Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter- (funded and operated by the Saratoga Springs Soul Saving Station Church. 

Contributions can be made at the Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. from 2 – 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 & Friday, Feb. 12, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 13. 

Visitors should enter the Rec Center parking lot from Vanderbilt Ave, and stop in the traffic circle near the back entrance. They may then exit their vehicle while wearing a face mask and place their donation in an available cart. A staff member from the Mayor’s Office will transport the donation inside. See poster for requested donation items.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks: Work In the Community; June Flag Day Rescheduled

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 used approximately $500 of their Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to provide personal hygiene products to the Mother Susan Anderson House in Saratoga Springs. The Mother Susan Anderson House provides 12 beds for homeless women and children on an emergency basis. 

The Mother Susan Anderson shelter, named for one of the women who helped start the church in 1961, was once the parsonage and sits adjacent to the house of worship at the corner of Caroline and Henry streets. It can house between 12 and 17 people depending on how the rooms are set up. Unlike other shelters, there is no time limit on how long the clients can stay. It is often a last resort for women who violated the rules at another shelter or overstayed their welcome, the Rev. Sheila Byrd said. She interviews each woman who asks to stay.

The Elks also announced its Flag Day Parade, which was scheduled to take place June 12 has been rescheduled to take place on Sept. 11 this year. The 2021 parade theme will be “Honoring Our First Responders.” The Avant Garde Drum and Bugle Corps will again reunite and be a key participant in this year’s parade. 

CCE Equine Hosts Month-Long Virtual Horse Symposium

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — CCE Equine hosts its 2nd Virtual Horse Symposium over a three-week period in March. 

The program is offered for adult horse owners, business owners, and horse enthusiasts in the Capital Region and beyond. Last year, the Virtual Symposium had over 500 participants registered with 35-50 live participants at each class offered. New this year: a Family Fun Trivia Night. 

Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for three weeks starting March 16 and ending April 1 . Topics include: Sound Development of Young Horses, An introduction to Liability Risks: New York’s Agricultural Tourism Act and Negligence in the Horse Industry, Equine Law: Legal Issues for Participants in the Horse Industry, and more. 

Each session will be hosted virtually via zoom at 7 p.m. In addition to the virtual classes, we have the option for participants to receive educational packets with resources for each presentation. 

Following the Virtual Horse Symposium a family-fun equine trivia night will be offered on April 2. Anyone can join this interactive virtual event. 

Questions about the event or CCE Equine? Contact Brieanna Hughes at bh548@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995. Registration for both of these events can be found online at:  pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=CCEEQUINE_241

January 30 – February 5, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT 

Chad M. Cruger, Jr., 21, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Jan. 26 to felony burglary, and criminal mischief. Sentencing March 23. 

Shawn L. Whitman, 43, of Mechanicville, was sentenced Jan. 26 to two years in state prison, after pleading to felony rape. The initial charge dates to May 7, 2020 in Saratoga Springs. 

Dennis C. Woods, 55, of Corinth, was sentenced Jan. 27 to five years of probation, after pleading in Wilton to felony DWI. 

William D. Bell, 33, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 28 to three years in state prison, after pleading in Milton to assault in the second-degree. 

Kelsey A. Irving, 29, of Queensbury, pleaded Jan. 29 to felony DWI in Malta. Sentencing April 16. 

Dennis J. Lescault, II, of Lake Luzerne pleaded Jan. 29 to DWAI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest in Malta, and attempted assault in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing April 16. 

POLICE 

Swade Shattuck, 43, of Mechanicville, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, having a suspended registration – a misdemeanor, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a felony, and no seat belt. 

Abigail Danna, 18, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 30 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance in non-original container, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Jeremy Depasquale, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with harassment in the second-degree. 

Kenneth Hughes, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

Aaron Edwards, 39, of Corinth, was charged Jan. 25 in Saratoga Springs with felony DWI, refusal to take breath test, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and two driving violations. 

Martin Brook, 41, of Taberg, was charged Jan. 26 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a weapon/ intent to use, criminal mischief, and felony assault. 

Thomas Jackson, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 27 with obstruct governmental administration, a misdemeanor. 

Todd Plummer, 31, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 28 in Saratoga Springs with felony grand larceny, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a misdemeanor. 

Kenneth Hughes, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged an. 27 with misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

Zachary Houston, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 28 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate. 

Loren M. Hull, 21, of Halfmoon, was charged Feb. 2 with robbery in the second-degree, a felony. Hull is accused of displaying a handgun and forcibly stealing a laptop computer from a man known to him while purporting to purchase the computer, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The alleged incident occurred on Woodlawn Avenue in the town of Halfmoon, and authorities say the handgun used was later determined to be a BB gun.  Hull was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash, or $2,000 bond. 

Joshua E. Greco, 30, of Gloversville, was charged Jan. 29 with grand larceny in the fourth-degree, a felony, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in the town of Ballston on Oct. 10.  Greco is accused of stealing property worth more than $1000. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office,  the investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected. 

Darren A. Moore, 35, of Clifton Park, was charged with rape in the first-degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth-degree. It is alleged that Moore caused damage to property in connection with a domestic incident and then forced sexual intercourse on the victim using forcible compulsion.  The incident occurred on Jan. 24. Moore was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 secured bond, and $50,000 partially secured bond. A Temporary Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. 

Jimmy L. Smith, 44, of Corinth, was charged Feb. 1 with felony criminal mischief and harassment – a violation, after allegedly shoving a person and causing damage in excess of $250 to a television by punching it.

Larry W. DeVaney

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

DeVaneyLarry

WILTON — Larry W. DeVaney, “The Duke,” passed away peacefully Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 70. 

Born on November 26, 1950 in Gary, IN, he was the son of the late Patricia Kalember and Harold DeVaney. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son Larry DeVaney II and brother Harold “Buddy” DeVaney Jr.

Raised in Northwest Indiana, Larry went on to attend the prestigious Culver Military Academy graduating with honors in 1969. Larry would go on to attend Valparaiso University. 

Larry had a long, distinguished career that spanned over 30 years with Metlife Auto & Home. Larry retired in 2012 as a Full Vice President and Executive Officer of the firm. He became a mentor to many in the field and will always be remembered and respected for his business intellect and leadership skills. He is fondly remembered by many colleagues, not only for helping shape their careers, but for the respect and sincerity he displayed in his daily interactions. Larry truly loved his chosen career and the opportunity it provided to travel the country visiting 48 of 50 states. 

Larry thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family, spending time with his grandchildren and torturing himself as a lifelong Notre Dame football fan, attending many home games while living in Indiana. After moving to Saratoga Springs in 1991, he found a love of horse racing at the historic Saratoga Flat Track, often bringing family, friends and colleagues to enjoy the fun. 

After retiring Larry and his wife Joan pursued their love of travel and spent winters in their second home in Las Vegas which made it easy to drive and enjoy many places out west. 

Larry will be most remembered for his generosity and kindness that extended far beyond his family, this included friends, co-workers to mere acquaintances. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Joan DeVaney of Wilton; his 3 children, Jamie (Marco) DeVaney, Heather Wolfe, Randall (Meredith) DeVaney; stepdaughter Cassandra Reilly; 4 grandchildren, Emma, Ryan, Evan and Charlotte; 2 brothers Randy (Janet) DeVaney, Terry (Deborah) DeVaney and former wife, Bridget DeVaney. Larry also is survived by several nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. 

Due the current situation with Covid-19, there will be a private family service. A celebration of life will be planned for summer of 2021. 

For those who wish, please consider a donation in Larry’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

John Leon Riley

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

RileyJohn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Leon Riley, 87, died suddenly at home on January 30, 2021. He was born October 11, 1933 in Watkins Glen, NY, to the late Myron and Ruth Everingham Riley. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School, and from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

After graduating from Cornell, he had a long career in architecture, becoming a partner in the firm Russell, Gibson, vonDohlen located in West Hartford, CT, designing many schools, churches, and office buildings. He pursued his lifelong interest in music by serving first on the board of The Hartford Symphony Orchestra and later the board of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. He was a loyal alumnus of Cornell, serving on the Cornell University Council and the Advisory Committee for the College of Architecture, Arts, and Planning.

Wherever he went, he was well-respected and well-liked. He had a love of the great outdoors, from boating as a child on Seneca Lake to sailing on Sebago Lake in Maine. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, and skiing. He built his own Adirondack guide boat after moving to Saratoga Springs.

He is survived by his wife, Almeda (A.C.) (Church Dake) Riley; his children, Alison Riley-Clark (Tom – deceased), Kagan Wolfe, and Susan Shelby (Evan); their children Emily, Stephen, and Brenden Clark and Dylan Shelby; stepchildren Laura Dake Roche (John), Gary Dake (Aimee), Glen Dake, and Renee Dake Wilson (Brian); their children Morgan, Will, and Carolyn Roche, Charlie (Brigid) and Zak (Desiree) Dake, and Silas, Collette, and Vaughn Wilson; and great grandchildren Eve and Lily Dake.

Along with his parents, he was pre-deceased by his first wife, Carolyn Dudley Riley and son David Riley.

Due to Covid, services will be at the convenience of the family at a later time. Memorial gifts may be made to The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

Richard Earle Mealy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Richard Earle Mealy, 69, died January 15, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital following a long illness. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at Lake George this summer to honor his memory. He will be greatly missed. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com